Compass Learning recently launched its Ideal Learning Environment Video Contest, asking students, teachers and others with an interest in education to submit videos that demonstrate their ideal learning environment. Videos were required to showcase environments that foster creativity, spark curiosity and encourage 21st century skill development and –– most importantly –– make students want to learn. Participants submitted videos that did just that. More than 100 videos were submitted demonstrating novel and thoughtful approaches to learning.

“I was impressed with the quality of the video entries. The teacher’s rap was fun and their message about personalized learning was right on target”

The $15,000 winning video featured rapping math teachers using a variety of methods to deliver content and engage students. Humor, music and dancing were incorporated throughout the entire two-and-a-half-minute video. $10,000 goes directly to teachers, Dave Schultz and Tyler Winner, while the remaining $5,000 goes to their school, Westerville South High School, Westerville, Ohio.

“I was impressed with the quality of the video entries. The teacher’s rap was fun and their message about personalized learning was right on target,” said Tom Vander Ark, author and executive editor, Getting Smart.

“When learning is personalized to the ability level, interests, learning style and expression style of each student, their capacity to learn and succeed improves,” said Eric Loeffel, chief executive officer for Compass Learning. “We see students and teachers using our software and curriculum to personalize learning. They achieve significant academic gains and personal growth by centering education on the needs and interests of each student. We received some tremendous videos and are truly inspired by the community-at-large for its creativity and out-of-the-box thinking that paints a picture of what the ideal learning environment should be.”

Finalists and the winner were selected by a combination of public votes through Compass Learning’s Facebook page, as well as input from a judge’s panel comprised of industry experts and thought leaders.